Nippon Connection Film Festival 2013 – First Highlights Confirmed

New Locations: Künstlerhaus Mousonturm and Naxoshalle Frankfurt

Entry Deadline for VGF "Nippon in Motion"-Award Extended

Great names always loom large – the first film highlights at the 13th Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection, taking place in the new locations Künstlerhaus Mousonturm and Naxoshalle in Frankfurt am Main, have been confirmed. From June 4-9 2013 the biggest platform for Japanese cinema worldwide will present more than 130 new productions in six days. The latest films from veterans Takashi MIIKE and Kiyoshi KUROSAWA will have their German premieres.



FOR LOVE’S SAKE reveals yet another facet in cult director Takashi MIIKE’s work. Inspired by a popular manga from the seventies, MIIKE gives us a Japanese “West Side Story“. Upper class girl Ai falls in love with hooligan Makoto. A story both romantic and gruesome develops from this constellation, staged in dance, fighting, and music scenes. This film comes along as a gift whose message is in the wrapping – certain to invite discussions.

Guilt and repentance: this is the topic for Kiyoshi KUROSAWA’S bestseller adaptation PENANCE, which has already been praised at the Venice Film Festival. A vengeful mother is in search of her daughter’s supposed murderer: KUROSAWA, known for his eerie and atmospheric style, initially planned this psychological thriller as a five-episode mini series for Japanese TV. Once more, he combines art-house and genre cinema to depict very intense characters.

Another German premiere will be Nobuteru UCHIDA’S provocative drama ODAYAKA, illustrating the consequences of the Fukushima disaster for everyday life in Japan. Leading actress and producer Kiki SUGINO will personally introduce the film at the festival and talk to the audience.

Other confirmed films:

I`M FLASH! by Toshiaki TOYODA – director will be at the festival

THE KIRISHIMA THING by Daihachi YOSHIDA

FLASHBACK MEMORIES by Tetsuaki MATSUE – the winner of the 2010 Nippon Visions Award will be at the festival

A STORY OF YONOSUKE by Shuichi OKITA

SHADY by Ryohei WATANABE



NIPPON CULTURE

The Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection will again offer a wide accompanying cultural program. There will be lectures as well as kendo workshops, a concert by Japanese performance group Kao=S, shiatsu massage for babies and much more.



VGF NIPPON IN MOTION AWARD

The entry deadline for the VGF Nippon in Motion Award has been extended. Filmmakers –would-be filmmakers are also welcome – can hand in their ultra-short films (maximum of 12 seconds!) until March 15 2013 and compete for the award sponsored by the Frankfurt Public Transport Association. The three best films will be shown on the info-screens in Frankfurt’s metro stations during the weeks around the festival. For further information, go to: http://www.nipponconnection.com/nc-2013-english.html



THE FESTIVAL

The Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection is organized on a voluntary basis by 50 members of the non-profit Nippon Connection registered association. Once again, around 16,000 visitors are expected this year. The new festival center is located at Künstlerhaus Mousonturm and Naxoshalle in Frankfurt. Other cooperating partners besides Künstlerhaus Mousonturm will be Theater Willy Praml and naxos.Kino im Theater. Additional screenings can be seen at Mal Seh’n Kino (selected reruns) and at the German Film Museum (NIPPON RETRO).



For further information, please visit our homepage: www.nipponconnection.com